Last month, The City of Frederick Audio Visual Department received the 2018 Career and Technology Education Outstanding Postsecondary Business Partnerships Award of Excellence from the Maryland State Department of Education for its internship program.
The program was established by Lead Video Producer and head of the AV office, Lance Duvall, as a way to develop college students and other interns into proficient video producers.
In their internships, they assist with numerous audio visual productions and assignments working with both City employees and residents.
Mayor Michael O’Connor commended the program Duvall has developed over recent years. “Under Lance’s supervision, the AV office has created a great opportunity for students and a remarkable strategy to accomplish more of the outstanding video work we’ve come to expect from this AV team,” O’Connor said.
The full-time AV staff is Duvall and Sali Dimond, digital imaging technician. The City’s AV office is responsible for producing content for Channel 99, the city’s cable channel. The channel carries live and recorded meetings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, and other public meetings and events; the office produces programming to highlight City events, history and programs; and the office creates promotional videos and public service announcements.
“With the multiple demands on our office, it would be impossible for just Sali and me to cover all of the exciting projects we want to produce without assistance from these interns,” Duvall said. “It’s great that the state recognized that the program is a win-win for us all.”
The Maryland CTE Awards of Excellence program is sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education. It is an annual event recognizing business partnerships, outstanding programs, change agents, distinguished service and CTE student organizations. Frederick Community College nominated The City for the award.
“We didn’t realize FCC had nominated us, so we’re honored and pleased,” Duvall said. “I understand how meaningful an internship -- experience in real world situations -- can be. It’s a pleasure to work with these young video students, and many I know will be -- and are already -- quite successful. They’ve done great work for us.”
For those interested in applying -- either for an internship or volunteer opportunity with the City's AV team -- information and forms are available on the Department's website.